A Multi-Modal Combination Intervention to Promote Cognitive Function in Older Intensive Care Unit Survivors

Summary

Up to 25% of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors experience cognitive impairment comparable in severity to mild Alzheimer's disease and related dementias after hospital discharge. Older ICU survivors (ages 60 and older) are at highest risk for delirium and subsequent cognitive impairment, which contribute to higher risk for cognitive decline related to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Sleep and activity are essential for recovery from critical illness, yet ICU survivors experience both sleep deficiency and profound inactivity. About 75-80% of ICU patients experience circadian dysrhythmia, which contributes to cognitive decline and increases likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The scientific premises of the proposed study are: 1) a combined sleep promotion and cognitive training intervention will have synergistic effects to mitigate the risk of cognitive impairment and development of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in older ICU survivors; and 2) chronotherapeutic timing of interventions (i.e., adjusting timing of interventions according to circadian rhythm) may improve intervention efficacy.

Interventions

• SLEEP + COG · BEHAVIORAL

  Combination of SLEEP and COG interventions

• COG · BEHAVIORAL

  Daily 30-minute session of computerized cognitive training

• SLEEP · BEHAVIORAL

  Nighttime use of both ear plugs and eye masks

• AC · BEHAVIORAL

  Educational modules on cognitive and sleep health

Published eligibility criteria

Verbatim from the registry. Only the site can decide how these apply to a specific patient.

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age greater than or equal to 60 years old
* Current hospitalization at University of Washington Medical Center or Harborview Medical Center
* Intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay greater than 24 hours
* Recovery from critical care status to acute care status, and/or discharge out of ICU
* Fluent in English or Spanish
* Functional independence on activities of daily living prior to hospitalization (Katz Index = 6)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Documented history or suspicion of Alzheimer's disease or dementia, or current prescription of anti-dementia medication
* Documented history of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
* Documented acute stroke or traumatic brain injury
* Severe vision impairment
* Severe hearing impairment
* Severe paralysis or dominant arm paresis
* Transfer from skilled nursing care facility or inpatient rehabilitation facility

Sites (1)

• University of Washington, Seattle, Washington · RECRUITING